Clitheroe Taxi Enforcement Checks

Of the six vehicles inspected, all were found to be of the required standard, with no prohibition notices being issued.

Ribble Valley Borough Council’s taxi enforcement officer, Carl Rung, said: “Maintaining a high standard of vehicles is something we take seriously, and we carry out regular checks to ensure taxis and their drivers are meeting licensing requirements.

“This was a joint operation, where vehicles were subject to a rigorous inspection to ensure they were compliant with licence conditions.  It is reassuring for the public that, in this instance, all vehicles which were checked were found to be fully compliant.”

Ribble Valley residents are reminded not to use unlicensed taxis or flag down private hire vehicles.

And Ribble Valley Borough Council has issued the following tips to help taxi-users have a safe journey:

• “Yellow plate” private hire vehicles must be pre-booked. Only “blue plate” hackney carriages can be flagged down or hired from a taxi rank and it is illegal for private hire vehicles to pick up passengers in the street, unless they are pre- booked.
• Check drivers are wearing identification badges that have not expired.
• Check the identity of drivers against photographs on identification badges.
• Don’t give personal details to drivers.
• Agree private hire fees in advance. Metered hackney cab fees are set by the council.

Ribble Valley Borough Council’s register of licensed operators, vehicles and drivers featuring the names of taxi licence holders, along with licence numbers, issue and expiry dates, and licence terms, is available on the council’s web site.

Members of the public can use the register to ensure drivers and vehicles are licensed, which means they will be safe, comfortable, and roadworthy, and that drivers have a reasonable knowledge of the area, are medically fit and free from serious convictions.

Anyone who suspects a taxi firm of operating without a licence or a driver of driving without a licence, or using an unlicensed vehicle, is asked to contact the council’s licensing team on 01200 414411.